Daughters Of The Bride(74)
“Have you ever tried?”
“No.”
“Then it’s past time. Put them on.”
He pulled out one of the dining room chairs. The implication was clear. She sighed again and sat down, then pulled off her sensible flats. Quinn handed her the shoes.
They were gorgeous. They felt good just to hold. She slipped them on and found they fit kind of perfectly. And she had to admit, they looked good on her feet.
He held out his hand. “Ready to stand?”
She grabbed hold of him and rose. Her ankles wobbled and it took her a second to find her balance. “This isn’t so bad.”
She took a step and nearly toppled over. He caught her and laughed. “You weren’t kidding about never walking in heels. Stagger this way.”
She laughed and, leaning on him, was able to make her way into the bedroom. He led her to the full-length mirror by the bathroom.
“What do you think?” he asked.
She was in jeans and a shirt. Nothing fancy. But the shoes. They were exquisite. “I’ll never be able to walk in them, but they are amazing. Thank you.”
“You’re going to keep them?”
She looked from her feet back to the mirror, then winced. “Look. I’m taller than you.” She was by a couple of inches.
“It looks good on me.”
She thought about the models he’d dated. They were all tall. And the man had ridden around with a poodle in the passenger seat of his Bentley. She supposed a little thing like height wouldn’t bother him at all.
“I’ll have to learn to walk in them,” she said, tempted by the thought.
“When you’ve conquered the heels, you will have conquered your fears.”
She laughed. “I’m terrified you’re actually telling the truth. And here I thought I would have to grow as a person instead.”
He put his arm around her. “Nothing that mundane.”
17
COURTNEY WAS A big believer in tasting dinners before a big event like a wedding. The last thing the bride and groom wanted was to find out they didn’t like the food being served. She and her mom had an appointment to meet with Gracie to decide on the cake, but just as important was the meal at the reception.
As her mother’s wedding was slightly more of a family affair than most, she suggested Maggie also invite Rachel and Sienna to the tasting. There had been a brief discussion then about David, but Maggie had finally decided that as long as he and Sienna were engaged, he should be included. As a friend, honorary grandmother, not to mention owner of the hotel, Joyce had also been asked to come.
Because it was a Thursday evening, Courtney had been able to book one of the smaller dining rooms off the main restaurant. She’d stolen, um, requested, Matt, her favorite bartender, and Kelly was helping her serve.
Courtney had expected to be nervous, but she was way tenser than she’d anticipated. She’d done dozens of tasting dinners before—this was no different. Except for the fact that this was for her mother. She had to remind herself that if Maggie didn’t like her suggestions, she was entitled to her opinion. She was a client, like any other, and her likes and dislikes weren’t to be taken personally. Now if only she could convince herself to believe it.
Neil arrived alone. He greeted Courtney with a hug.
“Thank you so much for setting this up,” he told her. “We’re both excited to taste everything you’ve put together tonight.”
“It’s going to be a good time,” she promised, then looked around. “Where’s Mom?”
“Sienna and David are picking her up on the way.”
They went over to the bar and Courtney explained about the different cocktail options—all of which were pink. “A signature drink can be fun for guests. One of the questions I’ll have for you two is if you want your guests to have the option of getting a drink before the ceremony. There are arguments to be made on both sides.”
Neil chose the cosmopolitan, and they walked to the large table set up in the center of the room. When they were seated, he took a taste.
“Nice. Not too sweet.”
She smiled. “All the pink doesn’t bother you?”
He looked at the pink-and-cream balloons anchored by small bouquets of small pink flowers. “I’m good with it. If Maggie’s pleased, then I am, too.” He winked. “I’m a big believer in that old saying—happy wife, happy life.”
“An excellent quality in a man,” she teased.
“I’ve been married most of my adult life. I’ve learned my lessons.”
“You lost your first wife to cancer, didn’t you?”
He put down his glass. “Yes. Karen and I were together for nearly twenty years. When she found that lump in her breast, we never thought it would be a big deal. Some surgery, a little chemo and she’d be right as rain.”